November 2026 Visa Bulletin: Comprehensive Guide to Final Action Dates and Filing Dates

The U.S. Department of State has officially released the November 2026 Visa Bulletin. This monthly document provides critical information regarding the availability of immigrant visa numbers for both Family-Sponsored and Employment-Based preference categories.

Whether you are applying for an immigrant visa abroad through consular processing at the National Visa Center (NVC) or filing for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) within the United States with USCIS, understanding these dates is vital to keeping your immigration process on track.

Understanding Statutory Limits and Chargeability Areas

Under Section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the U.S. government sets annual minimum limits on immigrant visas:

• Family-Sponsored Preference Limit: Minimum of 226,000 visas annually.
• Employment-Based Preference Limit: Minimum of 140,000 visas annually.
• Per-Country Cap: Section 202 of the INA dictates that no single country can receive more than 7% (25,620) of the total annual preference allocations, while dependent areas are limited to 2% (7,320).

When demand for visas in a particular category or country exceeds the statutory limit, that category becomes oversubscribed, creating a waiting list governed by priority dates. The primary oversubscribed chargeability areas for November 2026 remain:

• CHINA – mainland born
• INDIA
• MEXICO
• PHILIPPINES

1. Family-Sponsored Preference Categories

Family-sponsored preference visas are allocated across four primary categories defined under INA Section 203(a):

• F1: Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
• F2A: Spouses and Children (under 21) of Permanent Residents
• F2B: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 or older) of Permanent Residents
• F3: Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
• F4: Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens

Chart A: Final Action Dates for Family-Sponsored Cases

An immigrant visa number is authorized for issuance only if the applicant’s priority date is earlier than the date listed below:

Special Rule for Category F2A: For November 2026, F2A visa numbers EXEMPT from the per-country limit are authorized for applicants from all countries with priority dates earlier than 22APR26. F2A numbers SUBJECT to the per-country limit are authorized for applicants chargeable to all countries EXCEPT MEXICO with priority dates from 22APR26 up to 22OCT26. All F2A numbers for Mexico are exempt from the per-country limit.

Chart B: Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Visa Applications

Applicants with priority dates earlier than the listed date may assemble and submit required documents to the National Visa Center (NVC) upon receiving notification:

(Note: “C” indicates that the category is current, allowing all qualified applicants to file regardless of priority date).

2. Employment-Based Preference Categories

Employment-based preference categories are allocated pursuant to INA Section 203(b):

• 1st Preference: Priority Workers
• 2nd Preference: Members of Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability
• 3rd Preference: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers
• 4th Preference: Certain Special Immigrants
• 5th Preference: Employment Creation / Investor Visas (EB-5)

Chart A: Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Preference Cases

NACARA Adjustment Note: Under the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA), the 10,000 annual limit for Employment Third Preference Other Workers is subject to reduction. For Fiscal Year 2027, this reduction is limited to approximately 150 visas.

Chart B: Dates for Filing of Employment-Based Visa Applications

Important Notice: Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs)

The bulletin highlights that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 (signed December 22, 2023) may impact certain current and former employees of the U.S. Government abroad, as well as surviving spouses and children applying under INA section 101(a)(27)(D). Applicants who filed Form DS-1884 are advised to consult their designated consular section for status updates.

How Miranda & Maldonado Attorneys Can Assist You

Navigating priority dates, retrogressions, and choosing between the Final Action Dates chart and the Dates for Filing chart requires strategic legal guidance. Misinterpreting dates can lead to rejected filings or lost opportunities in securing permanent residency.

At Miranda & Maldonado, we help individuals, families, and businesses navigate the complex U.S. immigration system with clarity and efficiency.

Are you unsure about your priority date or when you can file your Adjustment of Status application? Contact Miranda & Maldonado Lawyers today to schedule a consultation with our experienced legal team.